Introduction - The Spinning Wheel as Ideological Image

Unknown, Grandma's Spinning Wheel Helps Reduce High Cost of Living, c1920

This exhibit will explore the imagery of spinning wheels as ways of demonstrating identity. The image of the spinning wheel heirloom became popular during the late 19th century, showcasing ideas of family, of lineage, of the permanence of the home, and ultimately, nationalism. It is a beautiful example of how the portrayal of a seemingly neutral, domestic, item can be used to spread ideology.

Our exploration will examine four topics: Contemporary Textile Production, the Spinning Wheel as a Symbol of Home, the Hearth and Ancestry, and finally, Biography and Identity. At the end of the exhibition, one will find an essay examining in-depth the implications of the ideas and themes in the exhibit.